Seahawks, TE Miller agree to restructured deal

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Seattle Seahawks' Zach Miller reacts after scoring his second touchdown reception against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

SEATTLE (AP) — Zach Miller will stay with the Seattle Seahawks after the tight end agreed to restructure his contract in an effort to free up salary cap room for the Super Bowl champions.

The team confirmed the Miller's restructured deal on Saturday, which was first reported by 710 ESPN radio in Seattle. Terms of Miller's new deal were not immediately available, but it keeps an important piece of the Seahawks offense in Seattle after two starters — wide receiver Golden Tate and right tackle Breno Giacomini — left earlier this week in free agency.

Miller has become vital as both a pass receiver and blocker for the Seahawks offense. Miller had 33 receptions and five touchdowns in the 2013 regular season, but his ability to block on the edge and help the run game led by Marshawn Lynch has proven just as important.

Miller was due to make $4.8 million in base salary in 2014 before restructuring. It was part of the original deal he signed with Seattle as a free agent before the 2011 season after being a Pro Bowl selection with Oakland. Seattle had previously released wide receiver Sidney Rice and defensive ends Red Bryant and Chris Clemons in an effort to free cap space. Clemons and Bryant both signed with Jacksonville while Rice remains unsigned.

With Miller's expected return, the Seahawks appear set at tight end, although they have been in discussions with former Green Bay tight end Jermichael Finley. Before the start of free agency, the Seahawks re-signed Anthony McCoy, who missed all of last season after suffering an Achilles tendon tear. Seattle also has Luke Willson, who served as Miller's backup this past season.